# data[].attributes.headline
PLAYGROUND PARTY FEEDBACK - pupils' voice (June 2022)

# data[].attributes.subject
PLAYGROUND PARTY FEEDBACK - pupils' voice (June 2022)

# data[].attributes.body
Children's drawings, and post it notes on photos of the school playground -  main themes:
- greenery: trees/ high plants, 'food plants'
- loose parts/ 'more toys allowed in playground'
- physical activity : jumping, running, climbing, bouncing, swinging
- gathering/ social spaces
- shelters and dens: quiet, relaxing: 'this [drawing] is a quiet place to relax since the Playground is very noisy'. Suggested examples in drawings took the form of houses ,and tree houses in higher up places away from the ground
- drawing area 'a drawing area to draw when you're bored'
- 'downstairs area to be more colourful'
- 'no stones' in downstairs playground
- 'destroy cars at the road next to the school'
See children's drawings and post it notes here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jcmEHM60mm9a_JZrtx9XnQVHeBzs0Rq7?usp=sharing

# data[].attributes.body
shelters or huts can be put into the existing shelters for cosy spaces and lights put up in there as well as cushions and books etc. they would last better in these huts and stay welcoming. they can also be used as learning pods for classes.

# data[].attributes.body
'you know where the rope is and the obstacle course downstairs in the stones... what if we could add... I was thinking about gymnastics bars. and the round things - trapeze. can we have it over there [pointing to upper playground]'.
interpreting this feedback from p4 children, it seems that there needs to be some loose parts for climbing in the upper playground, currently there isn't anything there for this; while gymnastic apparatus may not be suitable in the limited space with ROSPA guidelines, there is a need for some basic climbing equipment - for example, simple crates to create obstacle paths with different heights (links his feedback to other posted ideas here on shapes for movement)

# data[].attributes.headline
on cosy spaces - 'we need a roof.maybe some blankets and cushions. a little wooden hut or something'. - feedback from p4 children on ideas for cosy, quieter space in the playground

# data[].attributes.subject
on cosy spaces - 'we need a roof.maybe some blankets and cushions. a little wooden hut or something'. - feedback from p4 children on ideas for cosy, quieter space in the playground

# data[].attributes.headline
'we needs balls but we don't mind which ones. small ones. a mix. even small ones'.

# data[].attributes.subject
'we needs balls but we don't mind which ones. small ones. a mix. even small ones'.

# data[].attributes.body
feedback from p4 children. they would like small balls, plastic ones fore example, to use for different uses. Could be used with other loose parts?

# data[].attributes.body
'the bricks cupboard is open only once a month. we need more blocks and more space. we're not allowed to take the blocks past the benches'
feedback from p4 children.
a bigger space seems to be needed for dedicated blocks use, especially if the children are trying to make a bigger space for blocks - for p4 children and up they need more space , and more expansive in their blocks use

# data[].attributes.body
Allowing the children to have access to things which they have permission to destroy (large cardboard boxes, junk modelling materials, small sticks etc) may help ensure that they will take better care of the things that should be kept whole.

This will also link into the idea of looking after the playground as they tidy up after themselves.

# data[].attributes.headline
More movement-friendly set up in the classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
More movement-friendly set up in the classroom

# data[].attributes.body
The P1 and P2 classrooms have a more flexible layout which encourages the children to move/sit/stand differently depending on their activity.

We could extend this concept to the older year groups by exchanging table and chair seating for higher or lower desks or cushioned areas.

This will hopefully mean that there is less of an explosion of energy which needs to be burned off in the playground which may allow more creative uses of the space.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
March 2019 Update from Sara: "Lee asked me to tell you that he hasn't written a single referral yet this year and his test scores in December were about a full standard deviation higher than expected. We'll see what the results are when his students take their final standardized test this spring! He was also able to get rid of all the desks and replace them with tables because his students stopped using them."

In July 2018, I received a note from Sara, who has been working with her husband, teacher Lee, to make his classroom movement friendly. I'm inspired by those doing the tough work to integrate more movement within traditional spaces and institutions, and I hope you are too.

My husband is a high school English teacher in Conroe ISD, and after several years of having a movement-friendly home, we converted his classroom into a more movement-friendly space.

We transitioned our home into a furniture-free, movement-friendly space four years ago. (It was actually our family's Christmas gift to ourselves!) We homeschool, and one of the things we immediately noticed was how our neurodiverse son was using his new environment to learn. He's labeled twice exceptional, which means he has a high IQ and a learning disability. Changing his environment helped him overcome a lot of his learning difficulties or made them easier to navigate.

When we pitched the idea of bringing some of these changes from home into my husband's classroom, his principal was immediately supportive. Beyond the effects of movement on health and wellbeing, his prior experience as a coach had taught him that teenagers require activity to engage. We started by offering different types of seating-floor seating with various types of pillows and lap desks, a floor-level table, and a table with yoga balls.

We left two groups of desks to begin with for students who need more time to transition or aren't comfortable with floor seating. There are posters up to show students different ways they can use the space they have. There are different movement and sensory toys for students that need them. My husband has a standing desk with a stool and a yoga ball at his sitting desk, so he'll have the opportunity to model different ways of standing and sitting. Hopefully it will be a good introduction to Nutritious Movement for his students!

Someone is going to collect data on test performance throughout the year to see if there's any measurable difference between a movement-friendly classroom and a traditional one. If there's a demonstrable difference it will make it easier to access grant money for converting classrooms. We can pass that along during grant-filing season if that would be useful for anyone.
I'll update this post with the test performance information once Sara has the data, although more movement is a pretty great outcome on its own! What can you do today to change your environment? Is there a school in your life you can approach about making movement more available to students? Find more articles about sitting, classrooms, and kids and movement here, and also check out our Day in the Life page for more ideas.
Notes from the Community are inspiring submissions from readers taking their understanding of the importance of movement and running with it (as well as walking, squatting, and building it into their lives). If you have a story or solution you'd like to share, please email your written piece as well as at least one photo to help@nutritiousmovement.com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Notes from the Community: Our Classroom Makeover - Nutritious Movement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
March 2019 Update from Sara: "Lee asked me to tell you that he hasn't written a single referral yet this year and his test scores in December were about a full standard deviation higher than expected. We'll see what the results are when his students take their final standardized test this spring!

# data[].attributes.body
P6 pupil - could we get some better, netted goals for the football pitch as it would protect people playing behind the goals, and stop people swinging on them while football is happening. maybe there should be swings or monkey bars for that instead? definitely need to keep space for sport!

# data[].attributes.body
my daughter (based a bit on class discussion i think): "to have enough different things in the playground so that they could play hide and seek games"

# data[].attributes.body
'The playground isn't set up for different ages of children' (P4)

# data[].attributes.body
Access Parkour give workshops in schools which could help ensure that children are able to safely use any climbing equipment. Classes are also a very good way to improve the confidence of children who don't have much experience in climbing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Play based physical education for school curricula and after school clubs

PARKOUR IN SCHOOLS

Access Parkour are the leading provider of parkour in Scotland.

​We have the most extensive primary school program of education in the UK. Starting in 2013, we now deliver after school and curriculum programs in 40+ schools across Edinburgh and Scotland

​We provide both teacher education and direct delivery to students. Many schools choose to use both services to help both staff and students understand the benefits that parkour provides.

PARKOUR IN P.E.

We have over 40 programs in schools across Edinburgh and Scotland where we teach either as part of Active Schools, or as a dedicated part of the P.E. curriculum.

Our P.E. program is designed to introduce children to the movements of parkour. It improves their confidence moving in concrete and playground environments and it helps them develop risk awareness.

When providing feedback on the sessions children say they:

Are better at moving.

Are more confident.

Like Parkour.

Felt safe at Parkour.

The 10-week program is designed to be delivered to either Level 1 or Level 2 CfE students and provides feedback sheets that connect the lesson plans to Health and Wellbeing outcomes.

​ ​

The price of direct delivery to a class depends on the location and kit requirements hire, but can cost between £400 - £700 + VAT for a 10 week course.

FREE PARKOUR EXPERIENCE

FREE EXPEREINCE

Access Parkour's school program is best experienced to understand our unique approach to Physical Education.

​​

If you are interested in bringing parkour to your school, all you have to do is get in touch with us, and we will send you a PDF brochure outlining the different products we offer, and arrange a Free Parkour Experience for your school.

Access Parkour conducts a limited number of free parkour experiences per month so we ask you to be patient.

​

BOOK US

​

If you would like to go ahead and book a parkour experience directly without a trial - then email us and we will arrange one for you.

The parkour experience will consist of up to 3 hours of introductory parkour classes suitable for children from P3-7. This is normally split into 4 x 40 minute sessions for around 30 students at a time on a mixture of bespoke parkour equipment and equipment outdoors or in a P.E. hall.

BOOK A FREE VISIT OR ENQUIRE

TEACHER EDUCATION

Primary school teachers who want further guidance on how to facilitate movement games and play in the playground.

Teaching assistants who want more confidence analysing risk in the playground.

P.E. specialists who wish to utilise parkour in their lessons.

P.E. teachers considering becoming fully qualified to teach parkour.

ABOUT ACCESS PARKOUR

Access Parkour are leaders in teaching parkour and movement across Edinburgh and Scotland. We believe in making movement accessible to all.

Our range of healthy and fun classes provides something for everyone.
We teach parkour and movement outdoors and indoors across Edinburgh and Scotland. Our custom-built space for indoor classes is called Room To Move.

Our range of classes is designed for those entirely new to movement or exercise, as well as the more budding athletic enthusiasts.

GALLERY

Check out what our classes look like below.
For more photos and videos from all our classes check out our gallery page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Play based physical education for school curricula and after school clubs PARKOUR IN SCHOOLS Access Parkour are the leading provider of parkour in Scotland. ​We have the most extensive primary school program of education in the UK.

# data[].attributes.body
Using timber trail style equipment around the playground might allow for multi-use of the space available. The types of equipment are self-scalable (small children use them differently than taller children).

# data[].attributes.body
Many nurseries around Edinburgh city have a mud kitchen in their garden and children tend to love mud play. It encourages creative thinking and have lots of benefits to children. https://mudkitchens.co.uk/benefits-of-mud-kitchen-play/

# data[].attributes.headline
Regrow veggies and fruits from food scraps

# data[].attributes.subject
Regrow veggies and fruits from food scraps

# data[].attributes.body
We can try regrowing vegetables and fruits from food scraps, instead of buying packets of seeds or plants. Spring onions, lettuce, celery, and carrot tops are ones that are very easy to regrow.

# data[].attributes.body
We might want to organise different corners, each of which promotes/develops particular skills. The space outside the school (what we now call playground) can be transformed into a number of interconnected but also stand-alone corners, where children can navigate during the school breaks but also during teacher-organised outdoor learning activities. Below are some extra suggestions open to discussion:

a. the space where the different flags are now (slide 7) can be transformed into a multi-cultural space. Children can donate objects from different origins, we can have a blackboard and chalks to write words in different languages etc.
b. the art corner, where children can express themselves via art; this can be chalk drawing, and/or constructions with waste materials etc.
c. the engineering corner, where children can make constructions, practice maths, deal with problem-solving activities etc.
d. the literacy corner, which can actually be combined with art; children can create their own books; they have the chance to write and draw (and even role-play!). If we use a wall (or a huge blackboard), BPS can organise a weekly book creation activity, where children from different classes can contribute to both the story and the drawing.
e. we need to keep some open space free for children to run!

# data[].attributes.body
Children can take part in looking after the garden/playground. For example, in Japan, school children have many responsibilities in looking after their own school i.e. cleaning their classroom and playground, watering plants and feeding animals (they take turns and visit school over holidays to water them or take potted plants and animals home over weekends), sorting out physical activity equipment etc. They also make some of these activities a part of after school learning (maybe we could also ask Kidzcare if they are interested?). These allow children, not parents and teachers, to be responsible and to play major roles in creating and improving their own school environment.

# data[].attributes.body
My kids really enjoy loose parts play. They can play for hours in the 'tire - garden' at Sciences primary. The tires can be stacked, rolled, used as stepping stones, etc. Lots of fun.

"Introducing simple, everyday objects can improve creativity, boost social and problem-solving skills and support inclusion.
“A ‘loose parts’ toy, is open-ended; children may use it in many ways and combine with other loose-parts through imagination and creativity. Nature, which excites all the senses, remains the richest source of loose parts.”

A lot of info about loose parts play can be found on the website of Play Scotland: https://www.playscotland.org/play/playful-learning/loose-parts-play/

# data[].attributes.body
My son rally enjoys the obstacle course, he would like to see a bigger obstacles course or more objects.

# data[].attributes.body
P2-pupil: "I would like to go outside more often".

# data[].attributes.body
My son in p2 said, in response to the question what's lacking in the playgrounds:

"There are not enough birds."

This probably has to do with the lack of vegetation/trees. The abundance of noisy kids and city cats could also deter birds.

RSPB advice:

Plant wildlife-friendly vegetation, such as prickly bushes and thick climbers in the garden to provide secure cover for birds. These should be close enough to where birds feed to provide cover, but not so close that cats can use it to stalk birds. This kind of planting may also provide food and nesting sites.

Position nestboxes where cats cannot reach them or sit close to them (preventing the parent birds from getting to the box).

# data[].attributes.headline
Is there enough drainage? (climate change)

# data[].attributes.subject
Is there enough drainage? (climate change)

# data[].attributes.body
With increasingly heavy downpours, the water needs to go somewhere. From photos, most of the playgrounds look completely paved. A solution for this ties in with adaptations to climate change and hopefully increase in biodiversity.

Maybe Climate Change (or resilience to climate change) can be a theme for improving the playgrounds (as well as a possible avenue for finding other sources of funding).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can Urban Rain Gardens Save Our Drains? - London Drainage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Weather patterns are shifting and our city’s infrastructure is struggling to cope. Are rain gardens the answer?

# data[].attributes.body
The playgrounds are not very green, but of course, there is the need for playing space. Vertical gardens, against the wall may be a solution, if there is no space for raised beds. Green roofs may be an option too.

# data[].attributes.body
The Friends of Meadows and Bruntsfield Links are re-planting this and it's already a garden area - they're happy to have engagement from BPS and used to have school support from James G but are happy for one or both schools if there is the interest!

# data[].attributes.body
Education and recreational - both important
space for outdoor learning in the curriculum and also an enriched environment for play and wellbeing in break times

# data[].attributes.body
clearer boundaries needed around car park spaces so children are clear about where they can play

# data[].attributes.body
children have said they would like smaller cosy spaces, especially when the playground is LOUD!
Example : "we want cosy , small places to hide in" (demonstrating being enveloped and feeling safe)

# data[].attributes.body
using lights for all the dark spaces in the playground to make them cosier and more usable , electricity sources an issue for this ...

# data[].attributes.body
children like to draw in the playground but would like chalkboards or other surfaces to draw on , and big chalk for the ground

# data[].attributes.headline
physical activity - climbing , and other?

# data[].attributes.subject
physical activity - climbing , and other?

# data[].attributes.body
children have told us that they want to climb, that they love the climbing area at the back of the school but they often see it is too busy with older children to use. And they don't like to get their shoes covered and filled with small stones!
Physical activity so important for children, what other options could they have???

# data[].attributes.body
Starts with gardening inspiring 2022 - greenery is feel good and and will provide children with opportunities for growing , and the community to come together
Gardening club idea to be explored

# data[].attributes.body
1) Click the + symbol at the bottom right of the screen
2) You will see a window pop up - write a note title and type your idea, and can include direct quotes from children's feedback, and your name, but leave it out if you want to remain anonymous
(Option for photos or links with the five icons above)
3) Click publish at the top right of the window!

Don't worry about moving your post anywhere on the screen, the space will fill up soon and we can start to make connections.  THANK YOU!

And fyi Playground photos for reference: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oPAb-JmjcFM9H3FTb8sh8c5kfEq7cKzl/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111114839002987226776&rtpof=true&sd=true